It takes both of us to make government work

ON NOV. 3, the most common thought I heard was, “Whew! Am I ever glad this election is finally over.” During the six weeks that followed, having spent much of that time in our state Capitol and in many meeting with diverse groups of interested residents, I have come to the realization that it is not over. In fact, this is just the beginning.

The Colorado legislature, one of our three branches of state government, is composed of 35 senators and 65 representatives. In 2005, the Senate will have 18 Democrats (nine men, nine women) and 17 Republicans (15 men, two women), while the House will have 35 Democrats (16 men, 19 women) and 30 Republicans (25 men, five women). These elected representatives will discuss the issues and make the laws that govern our lives and actions.

There are also more than 600 lobbyists — paid and volunteer — who are there to communicate their ideas to influence the adoption or defeat of any legislation. They can be a valuable resource to provide information, do research and provide the institutional memory for a body that has a high degree of turnover due to term limits.

During one of these meetings, I wondered that if all these people were lobbying for their own special interests, who lobbies for the people. Then I realized that it is us, the elected officials, who lobby for the people. Our job is to represent you.

To do it effectively, however, we need your help. Your job did not end Nov. 2. You need to continue to speak out on the issues at every level. Examine your interests and concerns and get involved in your government through your area school board, your city council or advisory boards, or your county, state or national government. Read the media coverage and study the issues. Attend town meetings and community forums. Attend hearings at the state Capitol to listen to the discussion, or to testify about your views on an issue. And most important, stay in communication with your elected officials.

If you communicate via a letter, keep it to one page, expressing your concern and offering a potential solution. Be sure to include your name and contact information. You can send an e-mail; the same suggestions apply.

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The best way to make contact is through a phone call, so you can both ask and answer questions. Elected officials do not know everything and do not have all the answers. You may have just the information they need to make a good decision. We welcome your input at any time, but especially before a vote in committee or on the floor.

To be effective, we need your help. In a very real sense, together, we are the government. You need to help us set priorities. You vote on every tax increase. You vote on every new initiative put on the ballot. You vote for candidates at every level of government. Please, help us help you.

During this next session, which begins Jan. 12, I will have the help of one part-time aide and three University of Northern Colorado interns. We are all dedicated to working with you.

Jim Riesberg represents Colorado House District 50, which includes Greeley, Garden City and Evans.